Island Central: New Filipino Dining Experience in Jersey City Heights

# New Filipino Restaurant Island Central Brings Authentic Flavors to Jersey City’s Heights

Jersey City’s food scene just got a little more interesting with Island Central, a Filipino-inspired spot that opened its doors at 329 Central Avenue up in The Heights. They’re bringing real-deal Filipino cuisine to the neighborhood, with traditional dishes that show off a lot of heart and a whole lot of flavor.

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This place adds something special to Jersey City’s already diverse lineup, giving locals and curious visitors a taste of Filipino culinary heritage. It’s about time, right?

Grand Opening Celebration in The Heights

Island Central kicked things off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, making it clear how much this new spot means to the community. Mayor Steve Fulop showed up, along with a handful of local dignitaries, to show their support for one of Jersey City’s busiest city districts.

Experienced Ownership with Local Ties

Sheryll Petilos owns Island Central. She’s no stranger to Jersey City’s food scene—she also runs Filipino Grocery over on Newark Avenue.

Petilos has even branched out to Highland, New York, with Friend’s Corner Tea & Snack Bar. But Island Central is her first full-service restaurant in Jersey City, which feels like a big step.

To keep things connected to the neighborhood, Petilos teamed up with co-owners Fely Tatloghari and Ian Monsale. All three bring a mix of local roots and Filipino food know-how to the table.

Authentic Filipino Cuisine on Central Avenue

Island Central’s menu highlights the bold and varied flavors of Filipino cooking. You’ll find everything from hearty stews to crispy fried favorites here.

They stick to traditional recipes, using authentic ingredients and techniques that really let the food speak for itself.

Signature Dishes and Popular Options

A few dishes have already started turning heads:

  • Kare-Kare: Rich peanut stew with tender oxtail and veggies
  • Chicken and Pork Adobo: The Philippines’ national dish, with meat marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices
  • Lechon Kawali: Deep-fried pork belly that’s extra crispy, served with classic liver sauce
  • Noodle dishes that celebrate Filipino pasta traditions
  • If you’re looking for something to drink, they’ve got milkshakes and juices that are great for on-the-go sipping. And for dessert, halo halo steals the show—it’s a Filipino favorite with shaved ice, sweet fruits, beans, jellies, leche flan, and ice cream all mixed together.

    Visiting Island Central

    Island Central keeps the doors open seven days a week. They’re there from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays, they wrap up at 7:00 pm.

    If you’re more of a takeout person, you can order online through their website. And if you want to stay in the loop, check them out on Instagram at @islandcentral.nj for updates and specials.

    Adding to Jersey City’s Culinary Attractions

    Island Central just opened, and honestly, it’s another great reason to check out the diverse culinary scene here. There are so many things to do in Jersey City, but foodies will love this new spot.

    If you’re staying at any of the Jersey City hotels, you won’t have trouble finding it. Folks searching for where to stay in Jersey City and craving international eats will appreciate how close it is.

    Tourists and business travelers curious about getting to Jersey City should know the restaurant sits in The Heights neighborhood. It’s a convenient stop if you’re wandering around the northern part of town.

    Island Central brings even more flavor to Jersey City, which already has a reputation for authentic international dining. The place reflects the community’s multicultural vibe in a way that’s pretty hard to miss.

    Jersey City 2025 Deals!
    Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Jersey City! Look for deals here:
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    Here is the source article for this story: Filipino Restaurant Island Central Opens in Jersey City Heights

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